Taka Bonerate: an abandoned paradise { 14 images } Created 1 Aug 2012

Taka Bonerate lays in Flores Sea - just between south "arm" of Sulawesi and Flores, is the third biggest atoll in the world after Kwajelein atoll in Marshall Islands & Suvadiva atoll in Maldive. With an area of 220,000 hectares, the national park authority outhands the region, leaves the atoll unguard. Destructive fishing occurs everywhere. Ornamental reef fishes are sold as salted dried fish, with 10 tons per week sold by the "tokey" to Labuhan Bajo - escape from rangers' watch.